• The Vakataka tradition managed portions of South-Central India from 250 AD to 500 AD.
• They were significant rulers whose power was settled in the Deccan simply like their fellow rulers, the Guptas in the north.
• They were significant successors of the Satavahanas.

The Origin of Vakatakas

• The Vakatakas were Brahmins.
• Their origins are not satisfactory with some guaranteeing they are a northern family while others say they began in southern India.
• They have Sanskrit and Prakrit engravings which are like those having a place with the southern Pallavas.
• Likewise, no records of the Vakatakas have been discovered north of Narmada.
• They are additionally referenced in the Puranas.

Vakataka Rulers

Vindhyashakti (Reign: 250 – 270 AD)

• Vindhyashakti was the founder of Vakataka Dynasty.
• Not a lot is known about him aside from data collected from an Ajanta cavern engraving expressing that he is the head of the Vakataka family and that he is a Dvija (Brahmin).

Pravarasena 1 (Reign: 270 – 330 AD)

• Child and successor of Vindhyashakti.
• His different titles incorporate Samrat, Dharmamaharaja, and Haritiputra.
• His realm incorporated parts of northern India and the Deccan.
• He directed Vedic customs like Ashwamedha, Vajapeya, and so on.
• He directed battles with the Nagas.
• He had four children according to the Puranas and it is believed that the realm split up among his children.
• His child Gautamiputra died before him and his grandson (child of Gautamiputra) Rudrasena 1 succeeded him to the throne.
• After his demise, there were two divisions of the Vakatakas.

Pravarapura-Nandivardhana Branch

• This branch controlled Pravarapura (in present Wardha, Maharashtra), Mansar, and Nandivardhan in the present Nagpur locale.

Rudrasena 1 (Reign: 330 – 355 AD)

• Grandson of Pravarasena 1.
• He was preceded by his child Prithvishena I who ruled from 355 – 380 AD.

Rudrasena 2 (Reign: 380 – 385 AD)

• Child of Prithvishena I.
• Got married to Prabhavatigupta, the daughter of Chandragupta 2.
• Rudrasena 2 died and during this time, the royal Guptas of the north are said to have controlled the Vakatakas through Prabhavatigupta.

Pravarasena 3 (Reign: 400 – 440 AD)

• Was named Damodarasena.
• The second child of Rudrasena 2.
• He turned into the ruler after his senior sibling Diwakarasena died.
• Established the city of Pravarapura.
• Likewise made Setubandha in Maharashtri Prakrit.

Vatsagulma Branch

• This branch controlled the area between the Sahyadri Range and the Godavari River with its capital at Vatsagulma (present Washim, Maharashtra).

Sarvasena (Reign: 330 – 355 AD)

• Child of Pravarasena I.
• He created Harivijaya in Prakrit.

Harishena (Reign: 475 – 500 AD)

• Fifth-age descendent of Sarvasena.
• Disparaged Buddhist craftsmanship and engineering.
• A significant number of the Buddhist caverns, Viharas and Chaityas at Ajanta were executed under his rule.
• Ajanta has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
• The letters at Ajanta show the high flawlessness and complexity in workmanship accomplished under the Vakataka rulers especially Harishena.
• After his demise, he was likely prevailing by a couple of rulers yet very little is thought about the finish of the administration.